North Melbourne have proved they can win the games they believe they should during their best start to an AFL season in a decade.
The next step, as they seek to climb into finals contention, is getting over the line against tougher opponents.
With that in mind, captain Nick Larkey is eyeing the fifth-placed Kangaroos' clash with GWS at Manuka Oval on Sunday as an early-season litmus test.
It marks the start of a tougher run for Alastair Clarkson's men, who face four of last year's finalists, plus ladder leaders Sydney, in the five weeks leading into their mid-season bye.
"There's a new challenge for us every week and we're not there yet, but we're seeing good signs that we're on a journey together to becoming a really good side," Larkey told AAP.
"Testing yourself against the best, we're going to get a better idea of where we're at.
"We were disappointed in the Lions game (in round five), we really thought we actually could've got that one done.
"But we'll definitely take a lot of confidence out of the way we've played so far this year into the next few weeks."
Now in his 10th season with North Melbourne, Larkey has never been part of a team with a positive win-loss record through the first six rounds of a campaign.
"I haven't had this feeling in my whole career ... I'm absolutely loving it," he said.
"But I'm just trying to keep a level head and keep encouraging us to play the right way.
"To be 4-2 is just a great start for us to try and launch our season from here."
The Kangaroos have been bolstered by the return of first-choice ruckman Tristan Xerri (suspension) and young gun Finn O'Sullivan (jaw) to the team to face GWS.
The Giants, meanwhile, look a vastly different side to the one smashed by Sydney in last week's derby.
Aaron Cadman (concussion), Jesse Hogan (quad), Stephen Coniglio (concussion) and Brent Daniels (managed) are all back, alongside inexperienced defender James Leake.
"They're a really good contest side and they've got a heap of dangerous players everywhere," Larkey said.
"Last time we played them they smacked us, so we're going to have to be at our best."
GWS will mark a significant milestone against the Kangaroos when captain Toby Greene plays his 268th game for the club, passing former skipper Callan Ward's record.
"Toby's been a wonderful servant and continues to be a wonderful servant and captain of this club," Giants coach Adam Kingsley said.
"When he takes a step forward, everyone in the building - including the staff, coaches - step with him.
"That's the influence that he has on this club."
